Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP)
The Korea Immigration and Integration Program, run by the Ministry of Justice, teaches Korean language and understanding of Korean society step by step. You can take classes at designated institutions nationwide, and completing certain levels can bring benefits in visa status, permanent residence, or naturalisation reviews. Check how to apply and where classes run on the Ministry of Justice’s Social Integration Information Network or HiKorea.
Free local Korean classes
Multicultural Family Support Centers and Family Centers: run Korean classes for marriage migrants and their families.
Foreign Workers Support Centers: many hold weekend Korean classes, so people who work on weekdays can attend too.
District offices, libraries, and religious groups: some run free classes taught by local volunteers.
Studying on your own
1. Start with Hangeul: once you understand how consonants and vowels combine, you can read Hangeul within a few days. Start by practising on signs and menus.
2. Everyday phrases first: learn sentences like "eolmayeyo?" (how much is it?), "igeo juseyo" (this one, please), "hwajangsil eodiyeyo?" (where is the toilet?), and "apayo" (it hurts) and you can use them right away.
3. Online courses: the online Korean courses run by the National Institute of Korean Language and the King Sejong Institute Foundation are free to use.
4. Use Korean content: watching your favourite dramas or songs with subtitles naturally improves your listening.
Connect study with daily life
When a sign or notice has words you do not know, take a picture with K-lifeon’s camera translation to check the meaning, then collect those words in a notes app — it becomes your own everyday vocabulary book. Sharing study tips with other foreigners on the community board is another good idea.
Programme providers and schedules differ by region, so ask your local Family Center or foreigner support center, or get guidance from 1345.